[ They can be awkward old men together trying to navigate technology and relationships. But Five didn't expect Steve to come asking the big questions out of the blue. Good for the man. ]
I'm guessing that the reason you're asking one of us directly it's because Rey either avoided the question or gave you an answer that only raised more concerns.
[ As much as Five loves the woman, it will be better for everyone involved if they just tell the truth. ]
The answer is time travel. Messed up time travel, at that. I'm not as young as I look like.
[ God that isn't even the strangest thing he has heard at this point. And well considering SHIELD records state that 'Number Five' had vanished without a trace. Not like he can dispute the whole time traveling business.]
I chose not to ask her, since the last time I mentioned anything about her past, she looked like she wanted to crawl into herself.
Okay, so time traveling accounts for both your appearance and the whole twins thing?
[ He's just going to clarified that. He already has a low opinion of Reginald Hargreeves, but he was beginning to wonder if the man had the nerve to make twins act as one person. Because that would have been even more messed up on top of the business of making children fight crime. ]
[ If Five knew that SHIELD kept records of him as well as any other member of his family he wouldn't be happy. Unsurprised but not happy at all. Who knew what they could do with that information if it fell into the wrong hands. ]
A wise decision. She worries a bit too much sometimes and she really wants things to work out between you two.
[ Maybe five shouldn't' tell Steven that but the man deserves to know about Rey's efforts. She's not just being weird for the sake of it. Five thinks. It's never a 100% sure thing with this family. ]
Not quite. I time-traveled when I was 13 years old and got stuck in an Apocalyptic future for 45 years. I managed to go back in time but my equation had a slight flaw and I didn't come back looking like my age but stuck in the body my kid self. I'm actually 58 years old.
As for my "twin"...this is where things get strange, even for my family's standards. There's not two of us. There's one of me, twice.
[ He wants things to work out with Rey too, but he has a feeling that once SHIELD realizes that Five is back...twice...they are going to have questions. The Hargreeves are all considered persons of interests already, despite most of them leading normal lives. Hell he knows if he went full civilian they would still keep tabs on him. It's one of the reasons why he stays connected.]
Ah that sounds rough. Sorry, it must be a pain to be stuck as a kid again...Honestly that is kind of a relief to hear, because I was beginning to think your father had forced you two into pretending to be one person. Utilizing twins like that isn't completely unheard of, unfortunately.
[ Of course, he still thinks Reginald Hargreeves was an awful person, but that's another story. ]
[ The Hargreeves are still their own people and Five doesn't own anybody an explanation, least of all to an organization that never once helped his family when they were kids. If SHIELD has an issue with him, then things will turn ugly. ]
'Rough' is an understatement. It's also strange to be back into the normal world. I'm sure you must know how that feels.
I wouldn't put it past my father to do something like that. But no, none of us were really twins. The other me came here through a rift in time. Or maybe I did. It's hard to pinpoint which one of us got here first.
[ Steve is honestly hoping that it doesn't come to blows. He would rather SHIELD just leave the Hargreeves alone. Since most of them aren't interested in being superheroes. ]
Yeah, I suppose I would know all things considering. Though I've had seven years to get use to my strange circumstances.
You two seem to be taking it in stride though, I would probably freak out if another version of myself appeared out of thin air.
[ They won't cause trouble for everyone if no one tries to kill them or arrest them. The whole family will be happy living a quiet life if allowed. Of course, things never go as planned with them. ]
Time is a fickle thing, it feels too much and not enough at the same time. Even if you've been here 7 years, I'm sure that you might still feel like you don't belong completely.
[ It happens to him constantly. Five doesn't think it's a feeling that will ever go away but he's a cynic. ]
I'd like to say this is the first time I met another version of myself but it would be a lie. It went better now that the first time it happened.
I apologize for not coming clean about it since the beginning, we didn't want to scare you away from Rey's life.
[ Unfortunately Steve has no idea what SHIELD will do once they catch on to what is happening with the old Umbrella Academy and well Steve feels bad about that. He wasn't exactly intending to bring trouble to their door after all. He just met a lady that he happened to hit it off with.]
I get it what you mean. Not long do you feel out of place, but some times even the most mundane of things feel absolutely surreal.
[ It doesn't fully go away, but some times finding people to share time with does help ease the displacement. Steve's sure that Five and the other Five having their family should help them adjust their own displacement. For the longest time, Steve had nobody.]
No, you don't have to apologize. It's entirely in your right to keep your circumstances to yourself. Thank you for being straight with me though. Is there any chance I can meet with you and the other you in person, because I have some more things to tell you, but I don't want to do it over the phone.
[ Some things needed to be said in person, especially because he wants to be sure the conversation stays classified. ]
[ It's nice of Steve to worry about all of them already. If anything happens, the will manage. They always do, with more or less success. ]
Exactly. Things seem under control and then someone mentions something mundane, like a play you've never seen, or something bigger like the URSS being disbanded, and it's like a bucket of cold water. Big or small, it doesn't matter.
[ Talking to his other self about it helps because they're the same person, they suffer the safety issues. But talking with Steve about it has the addendum of seeing some else's point of view. And, in a way, Steve has them now too, it's only a matter of meeting the rest of the family. Which can bring new problems on its own but at least he won't ever be bored. ]
They're really weird circumstances too, so we didn't want to give you a headache. And by 'we', I mean Rey. She really likes you. [ And maybe Five shouldn't be saying this but it's fairly obvious. ] Yes, I'm sure that can be arranged. When is a good time for you?
Ha, yeah it took a while to pick up on the references. The things people take for granted because they have been ingrained into them is actually pretty common. I had to play a lot of catch up to get the amount of things that I get now.
[ Stuff like that is what led to the creation of the list in the first place. The list helped him a lot over the years, because he definitely didn't feel as left behind as he originally did. ]
I like Rey too. Which is why I would appreciate it if you didn't tell her that I contacted you. At least not yet. I have a couple of group meetings that I'm leading at the VA on Thursday, but I'm free afterwards. I can treat you guys to an early dinner, if that works?
People really don't help sometimes. Talking to my brother Klaus is insane, like he's speaking in a different language. And I know 8 of them.
[ What even is Vine or Yeet???? Send help. Five should make himself a list explaining memes as well. ]
Don't worry, I wasn't going to without your permission. [ He actually respects Steve, believe it or not. ] You have to travel a lot because of your job, right? She mentioned that.
Hah, as long as there's coffee that will be enough for us. The dinner offer is still appreciated. I'll talk with my other self about it but I can tell you already that the answer is yes.
8 languages? That's impressive. I only speak the one, but I do understand about four others.
[ Nope, Steve makes it a point to stay away from social media. He knows they exist but refuses to join any or even keep track. That's too much and well he likes what little privacy he does have. ]
Yeah, I do. I got a place in Brooklyn and another in DC because I go between them the most. But generally I have to travel all over some times I don't get much of a break to go home. It just depends.
[Of course, he hasn't had much reason until now to cut back on the amount of assignments he takes. So that will probably change when he gets a chance to talk to his superiors.]
Well if coffee is your vice, then meet me at the VA around 5pm on Thursday. The Vets here introduced me to one of their favorite coffee spots. They make a pretty mean cup of joe.
[ The old veterans love their coffee and know all the good spots near their building. Steve can share the secret with a fellow old person that appears young to the eyes.]
My father considered it a must and I admit that they all had come in handy with time. Even the ancient greek. Understanding four others is not a small feat. Sometimes I don't think my brothers even understand English.
[ Give how crazy things are nowadays and how stupid people behave on the net, Five approaches of the choice to avoid social media like the plague. He doesn't even trust the google assistant but his siblings insist that it's useful. #oldmanproblems ]
Brooklyn and DC... [ Don't mind Five calculating how many jumps that will take if he ever wants to surprise Rey and take her there. ] I imagine it must be exhausting to be America's number hero.
We will be there. Did Rey told you about our coffee habits?
[ 'Habits' he says as if it's not an addiction. But he's amused that Steve knows how to bribe them with coffee from all thins. ]
Well I only picked them up because of the guys on my old squad, during World War 2. They were a diverse bunch and all of them had their own native tongues. So they would teach me words here and there, until I started to understand them.
[ It was a good way to get to know the Howling Commandos too. He honestly misses those guys a lot.]
It can be, but it's not like I ever planned on becoming some legendary hero. That was a bit of dumb luck on my part.
Heh, no she didn't. You mentioned coffee as a preference over dinner. At least that is how it read to me. So if you and...the other you like coffee, then who am I not to share the goods?
Let me guess, you learned the insults first? [ Look that is kind of a must when you learn another language. ]
Did you ever consider looking into your old friends' families? Maybe some of them would like to know more about their grandfathers [ It won't be the same but it's also a way to reconnect with Steve's old friends. To keep their memories alive. ]
Maybe but we both know it takes more than luck. [ That is Five's way of praising Steve, kind of. ]
I didn't expect people to remember that, they rarely do. [ Smart man. ] We like you already.
Pretty much, especially the ones in French. My old pal really had a mouth on him.
[ He personally tries not to curse, but that's just him. ]
A couple of them, but it felt a little weird considering I don't exactly look old enough to know their grandfathers.
[ Thinking about it, makes him sad, but what else is new?]
True, but no one should start out trying to be a hero. All I ever wanted to do was my part. I wanted to help put a stop to the bullies. Men were laying down their lives to protect our freedom and I felt it was my duty to do the same. Heck the mission that officially turned me into a hero, I did out of purely selfish reasons. My best friend was captured along with many of his unit. No one was willing to go behind enemy lines to save them. I couldn't let that stand. I chose to go after them alone or die trying.
[ Wow, it must have been ages since he told that story along with the motivation behind it. ]
Well I like to think that I pay attention to details. Heh...glad to hear it. I would be sad if Rey's favorite brothers hated me.
French really is the best language for insults, everything sounds elegant even when you're telling someone to ' go eat shit'. The beauty of the Romance languages.
[ If Steve hangs around the Hargreeves enough, he will soon notice that Rey's family doesn't have any issues with swearing. ]
True, that's unfortunate. I know how it is. [ Let's not think about it then, Five might get sad himself. ]
A good action is still a good action even if it's first motivated for selfish reasons. You put your life on the line, it's not something many people would do, even for their best friend. But that's the thing about the people we love, they motivate us to do all it takes to keep them safe.
[ Five appreciates the sincerity, he really does. People rarely share personal, interesting stories with him, nor is he usually this invested. ]
Don't worry about that, we do not hate you. In fact, if you ever meet my brother Diego, he might even like you too much. His hero-worship streak is notable.
[ Okay Steve might have actually laughed out loud upon reading that reply. If Jacques were still alive he would have agreed with Five for sure. Gabe probably would have agreed too.]
Heh, I know a couple of guys who would agree with you.
[ He gets the feeling that Five is speaking from experience there. ]
When it comes to my best friend, he might as well be my brother given how long we have known each other. I definitely agree there's no better motivation than fighting to protect the ones we love.
[ He finds himself laugh again at that last part. ]
[ Every now and then Five displays a sense of humor. If Jacques were still alive, he would have spoken to the man himself in french, and asked about the best way to tell someone to fuck off. ]
Good to know. [ He is, in more than one way. The more he talks to Steve the more Five realizes that he's really the genuine thing, that he might be good for his sister. ]
How long is that? Because you seem to speak of him as if he's still alive. [ Which would be doable but then the man must be really old. ]
Oh just tell him he's doing a good job, don't even specify, and he will be over the moon. And that would be another brother on your side.
[ Ah yeah, Steve some times forgets that not everyone knows the story of the Winter Soldier. But its not exactly one he wants to talk about through text. ]
Well I met him when we were kids, so it has been almost my entire waking life. Which means just over 30 years, if you don't add in the 67 years that I was frozen. He is still alive, one of the only ones from my past that is still around.
[ Maybe he would tell him Bucky's story some other time or maybe he'd let Bucky tell his tale. But right now he still hasn't told Bucky about Rey or her siblings.]
It always feels weird to have people look up to me just because I'm considered a hero.
[ [ Five has been out of the loop when it comes to current events for a while. His other self might know since it seems more interested in the news than he does, but the 'twin' Steve is currently talking to is clueless about Bucky Barnes. ] ]
No wonder you'd do anything for him, that's a very long lasting friendship.
[ They could talk about it in person when they meet! ]
Must be frustrating too, you can't save everyone. I can only imagine the kind of stress and pressure you're under.
[ Though the story of the Winter Soldier is far less heroic and much more tragic. So that makes it of less interest to some who don't wish to dig that far. ]
Yep, not much I wouldn't do for the guy at this point.
[ He's definitely one of Steve's major weaknesses and anyone looking can exploit it. Ouch, Five hit a soft spot with that last comment.]
Even though I know I can't, it has never stopped me from trying.
[ He won't comment on his frustration levels or the guilt he feels when he loses people. ]
[ His siblings are his weakness too, always had been, always will be. He didn't mean to! ]
That's the right answer. And the right attitude. Difficult doesn't mean impossible.
[ He doesn't have to, Five know those very well. ]
And talking about that, I'm sure you've got more important things to do than chat with your girlfriend's brother. We can continue this when we meet in person.
[ Heh he doesn't even doubt that Five understands his meaning as he got the impression that he and Rey were very close. What wouldn't a person do for their family? But he chooses not to say anything else on the subject.
He also doesn't say anything when Five refers to Rey as his girlfriend. They hadn't really been seeing each other long enough for that, but hey not like he would protest things if they got to that point.]
No problem, I'll see you and your...you know I am just going to call him your 'brother' even if that isn't correct. It just feels less weird than saying 'other you'. Anyway see you two on Thursday!
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That would have been helpful but don't worry about it.
Yes, I'm Rey's brother. One of them...is everything alright?
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Hmm, I suppose? I'm just curious how you managed to look the same age as when you officially disappeared...and how there is two of you?
[ He really did think about asking Rey, but last time he mentioned her past to her, she looked like he had dumped a bucket of ice water on her. ]
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I'm guessing that the reason you're asking one of us directly it's because Rey either avoided the question or gave you an answer that only raised more concerns.
[ As much as Five loves the woman, it will be better for everyone involved if they just tell the truth. ]
The answer is time travel. Messed up time travel, at that. I'm not as young as I look like.
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I chose not to ask her, since the last time I mentioned anything about her past, she looked like she wanted to crawl into herself.
Okay, so time traveling accounts for both your appearance and the whole twins thing?
[ He's just going to clarified that. He already has a low opinion of Reginald Hargreeves, but he was beginning to wonder if the man had the nerve to make twins act as one person. Because that would have been even more messed up on top of the business of making children fight crime. ]
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A wise decision. She worries a bit too much sometimes and she really wants things to work out between you two.
[ Maybe five shouldn't' tell Steven that but the man deserves to know about Rey's efforts. She's not just being weird for the sake of it.
Five thinks. It's never a 100% sure thing with this family. ]Not quite. I time-traveled when I was 13 years old and got stuck in an Apocalyptic future for 45 years. I managed to go back in time but my equation had a slight flaw and I didn't come back looking like my age but stuck in the body my kid self. I'm actually 58 years old.
As for my "twin"...this is where things get strange, even for my family's standards. There's not two of us. There's one of me, twice.
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Ah that sounds rough. Sorry, it must be a pain to be stuck as a kid again...Honestly that is kind of a relief to hear, because I was beginning to think your father had forced you two into pretending to be one person. Utilizing twins like that isn't completely unheard of, unfortunately.
[ Of course, he still thinks Reginald Hargreeves was an awful person, but that's another story. ]
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'Rough' is an understatement. It's also strange to be back into the normal world. I'm sure you must know how that feels.
I wouldn't put it past my father to do something like that. But no, none of us were really twins. The other me came here through a rift in time. Or maybe I did. It's hard to pinpoint which one of us got here first.
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Yeah, I suppose I would know all things considering. Though I've had seven years to get use to my strange circumstances.
You two seem to be taking it in stride though, I would probably freak out if another version of myself appeared out of thin air.
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Time is a fickle thing, it feels too much and not enough at the same time. Even if you've been here 7 years, I'm sure that you might still feel like you don't belong completely.
[ It happens to him constantly. Five doesn't think it's a feeling that will ever go away but he's a cynic. ]
I'd like to say this is the first time I met another version of myself but it would be a lie. It went better now that the first time it happened.
I apologize for not coming clean about it since the beginning, we didn't want to scare you away from Rey's life.
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I get it what you mean. Not long do you feel out of place, but some times even the most mundane of things feel absolutely surreal.
[ It doesn't fully go away, but some times finding people to share time with does help ease the displacement. Steve's sure that Five and the other Five having their family should help them adjust their own displacement. For the longest time, Steve had nobody.]
No, you don't have to apologize. It's entirely in your right to keep your circumstances to yourself. Thank you for being straight with me though. Is there any chance I can meet with you and the other you in person, because I have some more things to tell you, but I don't want to do it over the phone.
[ Some things needed to be said in person, especially because he wants to be sure the conversation stays classified. ]
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Exactly. Things seem under control and then someone mentions something mundane, like a play you've never seen, or something bigger like the URSS being disbanded, and it's like a bucket of cold water. Big or small, it doesn't matter.
[ Talking to his other self about it helps because they're the same person, they suffer the safety issues. But talking with Steve about it has the addendum of seeing some else's point of view. And, in a way, Steve has them now too, it's only a matter of meeting the rest of the family. Which can bring new problems on its own but at least he won't ever be bored. ]
They're really weird circumstances too, so we didn't want to give you a headache. And by 'we', I mean Rey. She really likes you. [ And maybe Five shouldn't be saying this but it's fairly obvious. ] Yes, I'm sure that can be arranged. When is a good time for you?
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[ Stuff like that is what led to the creation of the list in the first place. The list helped him a lot over the years, because he definitely didn't feel as left behind as he originally did. ]
I like Rey too. Which is why I would appreciate it if you didn't tell her that I contacted you. At least not yet. I have a couple of group meetings that I'm leading at the VA on Thursday, but I'm free afterwards. I can treat you guys to an early dinner, if that works?
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[ What even is Vine or Yeet???? Send help. Five should make himself a list explaining memes as well. ]
Don't worry, I wasn't going to without your permission. [ He actually respects Steve, believe it or not. ] You have to travel a lot because of your job, right? She mentioned that.
Hah, as long as there's coffee that will be enough for us. The dinner offer is still appreciated. I'll talk with my other self about it but I can tell you already that the answer is yes.
sorry space out on the travel question!
[ Nope, Steve makes it a point to stay away from social media. He knows they exist but refuses to join any or even keep track. That's too much and well he likes what little privacy he does have. ]
Yeah, I do. I got a place in Brooklyn and another in DC because I go between them the most. But generally I have to travel all over some times I don't get much of a break to go home. It just depends.
[Of course, he hasn't had much reason until now to cut back on the amount of assignments he takes. So that will probably change when he gets a chance to talk to his superiors.]
Well if coffee is your vice, then meet me at the VA around 5pm on Thursday. The Vets here introduced me to one of their favorite coffee spots. They make a pretty mean cup of joe.
[ The old veterans love their coffee and know all the good spots near their building. Steve can share the secret with a fellow old person that appears young to the eyes.]
No problem, it happens ♥ It's all good
[ Give how crazy things are nowadays and how stupid people behave on the net, Five approaches of the choice to avoid social media like the plague. He doesn't even trust the google assistant but his siblings insist that it's useful. #oldmanproblems ]
Brooklyn and DC... [ Don't mind Five calculating how many jumps that will take if he ever wants to surprise Rey and take her there. ] I imagine it must be exhausting to be America's number hero.
We will be there. Did Rey told you about our coffee habits?
[ 'Habits' he says as if it's not an addiction. But he's amused that Steve knows how to bribe them with coffee from all thins. ]
<3
[ It was a good way to get to know the Howling Commandos too. He honestly misses those guys a lot.]
It can be, but it's not like I ever planned on becoming some legendary hero. That was a bit of dumb luck on my part.
Heh, no she didn't. You mentioned coffee as a preference over dinner. At least that is how it read to me. So if you and...the other you like coffee, then who am I not to share the goods?
[ He's got jokes. =D ]
♥
Did you ever consider looking into your old friends' families? Maybe some of them would like to know more about their grandfathers [ It won't be the same but it's also a way to reconnect with Steve's old friends. To keep their memories alive. ]
Maybe but we both know it takes more than luck. [ That is Five's way of praising Steve, kind of. ]
I didn't expect people to remember that, they rarely do. [ Smart man. ] We like you already.
Thursday it is then, for coffee and a chat.
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[ He personally tries not to curse, but that's just him. ]
A couple of them, but it felt a little weird considering I don't exactly look old enough to know their grandfathers.
[ Thinking about it, makes him sad, but what else is new?]
True, but no one should start out trying to be a hero. All I ever wanted to do was my part. I wanted to help put a stop to the bullies. Men were laying down their lives to protect our freedom and I felt it was my duty to do the same. Heck the mission that officially turned me into a hero, I did out of purely selfish reasons. My best friend was captured along with many of his unit. No one was willing to go behind enemy lines to save them. I couldn't let that stand. I chose to go after them alone or die trying.
[ Wow, it must have been ages since he told that story along with the motivation behind it. ]
Well I like to think that I pay attention to details. Heh...glad to hear it. I would be sad if Rey's favorite brothers hated me.
Thursday then!
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[ If Steve hangs around the Hargreeves enough, he will soon notice that Rey's family doesn't have any issues with swearing. ]
True, that's unfortunate. I know how it is. [ Let's not think about it then, Five might get sad himself. ]
A good action is still a good action even if it's first motivated for selfish reasons. You put your life on the line, it's not something many people would do, even for their best friend. But that's the thing about the people we love, they motivate us to do all it takes to keep them safe.
[ Five appreciates the sincerity, he really does. People rarely share personal, interesting stories with him, nor is he usually this invested. ]
Don't worry about that, we do not hate you. In fact, if you ever meet my brother Diego, he might even like you too much. His hero-worship streak is notable.
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Heh, I know a couple of guys who would agree with you.
[ He gets the feeling that Five is speaking from experience there. ]
When it comes to my best friend, he might as well be my brother given how long we have known each other. I definitely agree there's no better motivation than fighting to protect the ones we love.
[ He finds himself laugh again at that last part. ]
I'll have to keep that mind.
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Good to know. [ He is, in more than one way. The more he talks to Steve the more Five realizes that he's really the genuine thing, that he might be good for his sister. ]
How long is that? Because you seem to speak of him as if he's still alive. [ Which would be doable but then the man must be really old. ]
Oh just tell him he's doing a good job, don't even specify, and he will be over the moon. And that would be another brother on your side.
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Well I met him when we were kids, so it has been almost my entire waking life. Which means just over 30 years, if you don't add in the 67 years that I was frozen. He is still alive, one of the only ones from my past that is still around.
[ Maybe he would tell him Bucky's story some other time or maybe he'd let Bucky tell his tale. But right now he still hasn't told Bucky about Rey or her siblings.]
It always feels weird to have people look up to me just because I'm considered a hero.
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No wonder you'd do anything for him, that's a very long lasting friendship.
[ They could talk about it in person when they meet! ]
Must be frustrating too, you can't save everyone. I can only imagine the kind of stress and pressure you're under.
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Yep, not much I wouldn't do for the guy at this point.
[ He's definitely one of Steve's major weaknesses and anyone looking can exploit it. Ouch, Five hit a soft spot with that last comment.]
Even though I know I can't, it has never stopped me from trying.
[ He won't comment on his frustration levels or the guilt he feels when he loses people. ]
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I know how that is.
[ His siblings are his weakness too, always had been, always will be. He didn't mean to! ]
That's the right answer. And the right attitude. Difficult doesn't mean impossible.
[ He doesn't have to, Five know those very well. ]
And talking about that, I'm sure you've got more important things to do than chat with your girlfriend's brother. We can continue this when we meet in person.
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He also doesn't say anything when Five refers to Rey as his girlfriend. They hadn't really been seeing each other long enough for that, but hey not like he would protest things if they got to that point.]
No problem, I'll see you and your...you know I am just going to call him your 'brother' even if that isn't correct. It just feels less weird than saying 'other you'. Anyway see you two on Thursday!
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We tell people we're twins, so you can use that in public if it makes things easier. See you then, Mr. Rogers.